Uncategorized Archives - Page 2 of 21

The Premier Circle of Robinson Gardens Enjoys a Curator-Led Tour of Impressionism at LACMA

On February 12, 2026, thanks to Member Relations and Administrative Manager Barbara Remedios and Co-President Betty Goldstein, the members of the Premier Circle of Robinson Gardens were treated to a fantastic outing to view the exhibition Collecting Impressionism at LACMA. It was a magical day. Co-curators Leah Lehmbeck (Curator and Department Head of European Painting and Sculpture, and American Art) and David Bardeen (Assistant Curator of European Painting and Sculpture) gave the group an insightful tour of the beautiful show, followed by lunch at Wolfgang Puck’s Fanny’s restaurant at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures.

Left to right: Co-curators … Read More

Our Garden Tour Star Liz Barbatelli of E. Braun & Company

From time to time, we highlight “Our Garden Tour Stars” — landscape architects, florists, and interior designers who have participated at our annual Garden Tour and Showcase Estate at The Virginia Robinson Gardens. We want to let you know about these very talented designers, their inspirations, and their creations.

This month, we are featuring Liz Barbatelli of E. Braun & Company. At the 2025 Garden Tour, in the Master Bedroom, Liz displayed her elegant linens for the bed and matching towels in the Master Bath. Named “Ikebana,” Liz said that the design “was inspired by the Japanese cherry blossom trees … Read More

In Memoriam: Robert Stanley Anderson

1950-2026

It is with great sadness and heavy hearts to share that our beloved Robert (“Robbie”) S. Anderson passed away on February 6, 2026. Founder of the Friends Joan Selwyn said, “In every generation, there are individuals who light the way for us. They inspire us and set examples for us to follow. Robbie Anderson was one of those unique people. He was inspired by his great-grandmother who courageously built the Beverly Hills Hotel — one of the very first major structures in the open fields of the city.

Having lived in Beverly Hills, Robbie devoted himself to preserving its … Read More

February Gardening Tips

Photo by Josh Johnston

There are two rose gardens at the estate. The Display Rose Garden and the Cutting Garden. The Display Rose Garden is planted with hybrid tea roses. A hybrid tea rose with medium warm-pink flowers called “Eiffel Tower” was Virginia’s favorite rose. She admired it because it was her favorite color and because of its intoxicating fragrance.

Gardening tips: Select and plant your bare-root roses; it is not too late Start seeds indoors – tomatoes, peppers and eggplant Plant your fruit trees – make sure they do well in our Southern California climate Plant strawberries, delphiniums, gladiolus… Read More

Our Garden Tour Star Alena Kvassov of Awesome Bloom Decor

This month, we are featuring florist Alena Kvassov of Awesome Bloom Decor. At the 2025 Garden Tour, along with Yana Polshina of Vespera Florals, Alena decorated the Master Bedroom and Morning Room. A gorgeous bridal-themed floral display complete with a wedding dress greeted visitors in the Morning Room. They also … Read More

A Message from Superintendent Diane Sipos

Restoration Projects Funded by the Friends at VRG and Upcoming Architectural Lectures

Our mission – to preserve and interpret the first estate of Beverly Hills for the education and enjoyment of current and future generations – is an important compass that guides us as stewards of this historic and beloved property. To this end, the restoration and preservation of the buildings, collections and gardens are a big part of what we do. The Friends are a vital partner in this work. The County provides infrastructure, staffing and services to operate the gardens and relies on the Friends of Robinson Gardens … Read More

Rodney Kemerer’s “Tales from the Garage” and the VRG Book Club

December 20, 2025 marked a day for a gathering of book lovers new or returning to the Tea, Scones & Gardens Book Club at The Virginia Robinson Gardens’s Pool Pavilion which is right now so cheerfully decorated for the holidays! Author and board member Rodney Kemerer was present to help us enjoy discussing his book Tales from the Garage.

Left to Right: Co-chair Patricia Cowett, Author Rodney Kemerer, Founder of the Friends Joan Selwyn, and Co-chair Elaine Stein

After introductions, we had Rodney relate several tales from his book including one involving the Robinsons’ love affair with three Deusenbergs. The … Read More

Our Treasured Holiday Tradition – Wreathmaking

The very popular wreath-making workshop was beautifully taught by professional educator, “FRIEND” and Viola Floral founder, Jelena Trifunovic, along with two of her very talented floral designers Trang Quach and Elise Piatkowski on December 2nd, 2025, at The Virginia Robinson Gardens. You can read more about her here.

This always ‘sold out’ annual event was attended by many outside our FRG group traveling in from the South Bay, Santa Monica and Westwood. It was nice to see new faces and know we are reaching a varied audience. Jelena always brings beautiful greens and embellishments, and this year we started with … Read More

Our Garden Tour Star Faith Ford, Founder of Floracotta

Faith Ford, the founder of Floracotta,
whose work centers on regenerative kitchen
garden design and soil health education

From time to time, we highlight “Our Garden Tour Stars” — landscape architects, florists, and interior designers who have participated at our annual Garden Tour and Showcase Estate fundraiser at The Virginia Robinson Gardens. We want to let you know about these very talented designers, their inspirations, and their creations.

This month, we are honored to feature Faith Ford, founder of Floracotta who participated in our Floral Fantasia Garden Tour and Showcase Estate on May 17, 2025. On the Kitchen Patio, Faith … Read More

Membership Updates

Virginia Robinson Gardens is preparing for a dynamic and meaningful year ahead as we look toward 2026 with a renewed focus on preservation, education, and community engagement. As one of Beverly Hills’ most cherished historic estates, the Gardens continue to flourish through the generosity and commitment of our members and supporters.

The coming year marks a thoughtful transition for Virginia Robinson Gardens. After many successful years of the annual Garden Tour, we will introduce a refreshed calendar of events designed to offer engaging experiences throughout the year. While programming formats are evolving, the mission remains constant: to celebrate the history, … Read More

JOIN OUR MAILING LIST TO STAY IN THE KNOW!